MINNEAPOLIS— Police say that a 28-year-old man tried to kidnap his own children from their mother while armed early Wednesday morning,
and that the children’s mother was Tasered by the alleged kidnapper’s accomplice. Officers responded to the scene on the 300 Block of 4th Avenue South
in St. Cloud not long after midnight. Investigators say that the father of four children, aged 18 months to 12 years old, showed up at the apartment
with four other adults, entered the apartment and displayed a handgun. A female in the group used the Taser on the children’s mother before the children
were taken. Police said no threats were directed at the children, and no one was injured during the kidnapping. Police in Grand Rapids, Minnesota eventually
found the man’s vehicle sitting outside a residence there, at about 6 a.m.. Officers — including from the Minnesota State Patrol and Itasca County
— surrounded the residence and a negotiator worked to remove the children from their father. He and two other adults were also taken into custody.
A fourth, who police believe was the one who Tasered the children’s mother, was later apprehended in Minneapolis. Police say they’re still seeking
one other man in the case. All are facing potential charges of kidnapping, assault and/or burglary, and are being transported back to Stearns County
Jail. The kids are in protective custody as of Wednesday afternoon.

COTTAGE GROVE, Minn. — A co-owner of 61 Marine and Sports in Cottage Grove admitted in court on Tuesday, Sept. 3, that he defrauded Minnesota
of approximately $3.2 million in sales tax, penalties and interest.Jeffrey S. McKenzie, 59, of Hastings, pleaded guilty in Washington County District
Court to three felony counts of knowingly aiding in the preparation of tax returns that were fraudulent or false. He was charged in August.61 Marine
and Sports, which opened in August 1997, sells boats, boat motors, ATVs, snowmobiles and parts and accessories.A preliminary investigation in August
2018 found that a sales tax audit had been initiated on the business by the Minnesota Department of Revenue, leading to a criminal investigation by
the agency and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.According to the criminal complaint, McKenzie was charged with providing the monthly sales-tax
collection information to the business accountant who filed the sales tax returns. The complaint alleges that McKenzie knowingly under-reported the
monthly taxable sales to the accountant, who then filed the false sales tax returns.The complaint states that computer files, sales tax returns and
paper documentation seized during the execution of several search warrants showed the business under-remitted its monthly sales tax in 59 periods from
January 2013 through September 2018.Sentencing for McKenzie is set for Dec. 2.

LONG PRAIRIE— The Todd County Sheriff's Office and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension were still searching as of last night
(Aug. 22), for a 22-year-old man wanted in connection with the "suspicious" death of a rural Long Prairie man and his wife at their rural Long Prairie
residence. The sheriff's office received a call about 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday from a friend of Barry Bennett. He said Bennett, a retired gym teacher
and coach at the Long Prairie school, hadn't returned his texts or call since Tuesday. The sheriff's department said they found Bennett and his wife
Carol both 63, who died under "suspicious circumstances. In the course of the investigation, authorities identified the 22-year-old suspect as Dylan
John Bennett, the couple's adopted son who was living at the home at the time. Todd County Sheriff Steve Och in a statement. "Based on information
gathered during the investigation, it is determined that there is no threat to public safety at this time," Investigators believe the younger Bennett
may have fled the state. Also assisting in the case is the Central Minnesota Violent Offender Task Force. Barry Bennett, played 11 seasons in the NFL,
mostly for the New Orleans Saints and New York Jets and for one year with the Vikings. He played for Concordia in Moorhead under longtime Coach Jim
Christopherson from 1974 to 1978. He was then drafted in the fourth round by the Saints. He was also a national champion wrestler, winning three national
titles in the NAIA and NCAA Division 3 tourneys.

Upcoming Local Events & KEYL/KXDL Events

The Todd County Farm Bureau Fall Harvest Banquet will be held September 19th, 2019 at the Clarissa Ballroom. This banquet will feature kids against huger and Wes & Jill Wagner - A mission to Haiti. Social hour at 5:30. 2 meat buffet served from 6:30 - 7:30. Tickets are $15.00. for tickets ca..

First Presbyterian Church in Osakis invites everyone to the September Friendship Table Meal on Wednesday September 25th. This month's meal will serve grilled hamburgers, potato salad, baked beans and dessert. Serving will be from 5:30-7pm or until the food is gone. Join them at the Fellowship Ha..

England Prairie Pioneer Club meetings start with and optional potluck at 6:30 and the general meeting at 7:30 on the club grounds located at 14229 County Road 1, Verndale. The next meeting is Tuesday October 1st. For more information, see their website england-prairie.org...

Grief Share meets at Prairie Manor, 601 Central Avenue on Monday nights from 6p - 8:30pm, starting September 16th. This 14 week study will conclude on December 16th. These sessions are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Fran Thomas at 218-851-2377...